asked the Minister for Agriculture if his attention has been drawn to statements made on behalf of organisations representing the veterinary profession and milk producers to the effect that there is likely to be a serious shortage of suitable heifers to replace reactors disposed of by dairy farmers over the next five years; and if, in view of the grave danger to the future of the dairying industry and to the production of cattle which such an eventuality implies, he will give the matter his urgent consideration.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shortage of Dairy Heifers.
We are all conscious of the need for the provision of replacements for reacting cows and heifers. The brunt of this task must fall on the breeders.
As a matter of information, I may add that recent returns from the artificial insemination centre in Kerry show that there is a substantial change over to the use of dairy bulls. This indicates that farmers in that county are taking the necessary steps to provide the increased number of replacements. If farmers in the other dairying counties do likewise, the problem will be greatly eased.